Talking to young people about sex and sexuality does not increase their sexual activity. Rather, it provides them with the knowledge, understanding and skills to make informed decisions that affect all aspects of their lives.
Mental health barriers, particularly among girls, trans and non cisgender youth, are directly linked to societal norms and pressures, with the result that many non-binary young people are marginalised by patriarchal patterns that prevail across all social systems including schools. The very high gender-based violence rate in South Africa is a reality, as is the fact that girls in schools, and LGBTQIA+ youth are often made vulnerable by predators who groom and then abuse.
Given the complex relationship between socioeconomic status, patriarchy, gender-based violence and sexual behaviour, there is no doubt that a diverse approach to sexual and reproductive health education is needed, and that school health programmes should be multidimensional, integrated and holistic. Fostering caring, healthy and equitable relationships among schoolgoing youth has been a key focus of the Schools Wellness Centre since it began in 2016. Developing strategies that build resilience and develop agency to shift negative behavioural patterns is another key focus.
Discussions have also been introduced for boys, the aim being to shift traditionally held narratives, disrupt patriarchal attitudes and prevent harmful sexual behaviour. Male learners and non-cisgender youth are also vulnerable to the challenges of puberty and to bullying, addiction and abuse.